Latent Photodegradable Polyesters Enabled by Nitrobenzyl-Based Triggers for Controlled End-of-Life Behavior
발표자
임문희 (아주대학교)
연구책임자
김문석 (아주대학교)
공동저자
임문희 (아주대학교), 정윤근 (아주대학교), 김문석 (아주대학교)
초록
내용
Latent degradation systems that remain stable during use but can be activated after disposal are of interest for sustainable polymer design. In this study, a light-responsive polyester system enabling controlled degradation via a nitrobenzyl-based phototrigger is presented. The polymer incorporates a photolabile nitrobenzyl unit into biodegradable polyester backbones, remaining stable under ambient conditions. Upon irradiation in the 300–500 nm range, cleavage of the nitrobenzyl unit induces chain scission and converts the material into a degradable state. The system was further applied to reinforced polymer structures through crosslinking reactions, enabling both thermoplastic and thermoset materials. This work demonstrates the feasibility of a latent photodegradation strategy for polyester-based materials and its potential for environmentally responsible polymers with controllable end-of-life behavior.